London, Dec. 3 (Petra) – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance faces "real and enduring risks" as the war in Ukraine continues and tensions with Moscow escalate, noting that member states are increasing vigilance and strengthening defence capabilities at an unprecedented pace.

The Guardian quoted Rutte as saying that Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, alongside what he described as "more reckless behavior" toward NATO countries, including airspace violations and cyberattacks.

Rutte revealed that two-thirds of NATO members have already committed to supporting Ukraine through the U.S. weapons procurement program known as PURL, with pledges amounting to $4 billion. He added that partner states such as Austria and New Zealand have also expressed willingness to contribute.

He stressed that Ukraine is in "urgent need of funding, whether through a compensation-based loan mechanism or any alternative arrangement." On the political track, Rutte praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts in advancing negotiations, saying he is the "only person" who managed to break the deadlock. However, he underlined that peace will not be achieved "in a straight line or in one push," but through gradual steps requiring ongoing proposals and discussions amid meetings held in Geneva, Miami and Moscow.

Rutte said he is careful not to make statements that could hinder the talks but emphasized that coordination with the United States is ongoing and that the shared objective is a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty.

//Petra// AF